Murray George

‘Walka’ by Murray George. For every song we paint a different Walka (design). There is Emu, Maku (witchetty grub) Waru (Fire) and Wanampi (Rainbow Serpent). This Walka is mainly painted on the body. This Walka is for Wanampi. When we see this painting we know it is a song for Wanampi. Wanampi is the mystical snake often guarding waterholes. They can be summonsed by Ngangkari’s (Traditional Healers) and have many powers. These beautiful, unique rugs are a cross-cultural collaboration combining Aboriginal designs and traditional Kashmiri rug-making techniques. Chain stitched, using hand dyed wool and finished with a heavy cotton backing, each rug is a completely handmade piece. This project is unusual because the rug is owned by the artist, rather than licensed to a third party. A more empowering way to work, this brings many direct benefits to the artists’ and their community. Control and ownership of intellectual property are also maintained. Purchase of these rugs guarantees a direct return to the aboriginal artist and their community.